Int’l support sought for countries in crises

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday urged the World Bank and other international organisations to boost their support for the countries hit by the Covid-19, the Russia-Ukraine war and climate changes.

The premier made this call when World Bank Managing Director for Operations Axel van Trotsenburg paid a courtesy call on her at her office here in the morning.

PM’s Speech Writer Md Nazrul Islam briefed reporters after the meeting.

Hasina said Bangladesh had gained over 8 per cent GDP growth before the Covid-19, but it declined due to the pandemic. When Bangladesh was regaining the growth momentum, it was hit again by the Russia-Ukraine war.

The poor and developing countries like Bangladesh plunged into trouble because significant rise in fuel and food stuff prices, and transportation cost worldwide, she said.

The PM focused on her government’s measures and endeavours to fight the climate changes, including projects taken with the finance from Climate Trust Fund to mitigate the climate’s adverse impacts by creating green-belt, afforestation, sustainable housing and livelihood.

She said the world community is responsible for climate changes but unfortunately they are not complying with their commitments to assist the climate vulnerable countries.

Bangladesh made incredible development: WB Managing Director

The World Bank Managing Director praised PM Hasina for making incredible development of Bangladesh during her tenures.

He congratulated the PM on accomplishing massive development. The per capita income in Bangladesh was only some US$ 50 in 1972, which is now US$ 2824, he added.

Talking about the current context, Trotsenburg said the developing countries like Bangladesh need to create employment opportunities for youth to face the current challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.

The employment generation is also needed for accomplishing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), he added.

He said the World Bank has been beside Bangladesh since 1972 and will remain beside the country.

“I’ve come here to strengthen the World Bank’s partnership with Bangladesh,” said the WB official.

About the development of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina said the country has gained fast development in the last 14 years thanks to the continuation of political stability, the government’s tireless efforts to implement its political visions and the government’s desire to work for the people.

PM’s International Relation Affairs Dr Gowher Rizvi, PM’s Ambassador-at-large Mohammd Ziauddin, PM’s M Tofazzel Hossain Miah and Finance Senior Secretary Fatima Yasmin were present.